Portsmouth boss' Josh Murphy injury latest as return target is confirmed
John Mousinho delivers positive news over Josh Murphy’s injury return, as his recovery from two groin operations accelerates.
Josh Murphy is on course for a Pompey return at the end of the month.
Blues boss John Mousinho has confirmed the key man is ‘on track’ with his recovery from double groin surgery.
Mousinho on Murphy return: ‘We’re looking at post-Millwall’
And that the winger due to return to the fray beyond the three games in eight days his side are about to embark on.
Murphy underwent the second of his ops at the end of August, after having the first in April following a season of frustrating injury issues.
That means the 31-year-old has been limited to two cameo appearances this term, the second of which saw him last just 19 minutes before being taken off after his second-half introduction at Lincoln City.
The good news is Murphy is progressing well with his recovery and remains on course to return, with Pompey going to Burnley on October 31 before two home games against Swansea City and Stoke City before the November international break.
Updating on Murphy’s status, Mousinho told The News: ‘Murph is out on the grass and we’re looking at post-Millwall.
‘We were looking at eight weeks from the back end of August - so we’re on track.’
After a flying first campaign at Fratton Park, Murphy was hindered by different fitness issues last term, with a metatarsal fracture halting his campaign and Pompey fearing the former Oxford United man’s campaign was over.
The former player of the season battled back, however, to make two appearances at the end of the season before undergoing the first groin op once Championship survival was assured.
Mousinho is clear the challenge for Murphy is to make a return - and then put an extended run of availability together.
Speaking to The News last week, he said: ‘It will be good to have him back, but it’s about keeping him fit.
‘That’s the big thing, that’s the big priority early on.
‘We’ve pretty much done the lot with Murph in terms of making sure he’s in a good spot to come back.
‘Hopefully he does that and fingers crossed he doesn’t break down again.’